La Menara is the name of our apartment's urbanization in Vera Playa. It consists of seven blocks, each block containing 8 apartments. The development is in an Arabic style, with arches and rich woods. The windows are protected by shutters and the doors have high security locks.

The development looks good. It is very unusual and attractive. Classic rendered walls, these are painted in beige, terracotta and a maroon colour, all highlighted by the cream coloured arches and detail.

The entrance to the urbanization is directly opposite Vera Natura The beach is only about 150 yds away, walking on footpaths (within the official naturist zone) that run either side of Vera Natura.

Most of the residents in La Menara are English, Spanish or Dutch. It never gets really busy here, though the busiest month is August when the Spanish residents flock here en mass for their holidays. During this month there is a great fiesta atmosphere in the complex and, for that matter, all across the local region. For the rest of the year La Menara is very quiet and serine, with probably no more that half of the apartments occupied at any given time. The people who stay throughout the year tend to be British and Dutch so there are always plenty of friendly English speakers around.

There is a beautiful pool in the urbanization that never gets too busy, for most of the year one can generally find it empty.  It is heated with heat exchange units and the temperature remains at a minimum of about 22 degrees throughout the year.  In the winter the pool has a floating cover.  When you want to swim, roll off the cover but make sure it is replaced before dusk.  From about May through to October the cover will be removed, you can swim at any time, day or night.

Along Vera Playa beach are several 'Chiringuitos' (beach bars). Our local is the Natsun Chiringuito. This is run by Tigger, an Englishman. The food and ambience is Spanish in style. The food is good quality and value, and the drinks are all reasonably priced. There is plenty of space to sit outside with a beautiful view of the sea, or you may sit inside in the dappled shade. This Chiringuito is open from mid morning to late afternoon. The Natsun Chiringuito closes for the winter however the other chiringuito, Sol y Luna, and quite a few other local bars remain open.

There is still some building going on in Vera Playa, however, there is none adjacent to La Menara or nearby. You certainly do not need to worry about being woken up by the builders! There is a non naturist development to the West of La Menara. The people who live there seem to be quite blasé about their Naturist neighbours, many of them use the naturist beach.